The budget session of parliament will begin Feb 22 and conclude May 7, with a long break of more than three weeks in between, it was announced Wednesday.

President Pratibha Patil will make the customary address to the joint session of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, marking the beginning of the fourth session of the 15th Lok Sabha, Lok Sabha Secretary General P.D.T. Achary said.

'In order to enable the Standing Committees to consider the demands for grants of ministries, departments and prepare their reports, the house will adjourn March 16 to meet again April 12,' he added in a statement.

'Subject to exigencies of government business, the session is likely to conclude Friday, May 7,' the statement said.